The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini is considered to be fiction, but it is about a real woman.
Elizabeth Van Lew ran a significant intelligence network on behalf of the Union while ministering to Northern prisoners during the U.S. Civil War. While this woman did exist, this historical fiction novel fills in the gaps in her story, weaving together known reality with imagined specific details.
This was my first, though it will no means be my last, book by Chiaverini. It is one of the best historical novels that I have ever read. It kept me riveted and eager to find out what would happen next. I like this kind of historical fiction, as it sticks closely to the truth while also making the history come alive and seem realistic. It is also exciting to see a role in which women took the lead to fight against the evil slavery during the Civil War.
Five stars
